Limitations for change detection in multiple Gabor targets

We investigate the limitations on the ability to detect when a target has c hanged, using Gabor targets as simple quantifiable stimuli. Using a partial report technique to equalize response variables, we show that the log of t he Weber fraction for detecting a spatial frequency change is proportional to the log of the number of targets, with a set-size effect that is greater than that reported for visual search. This is not a simple perceptual limi tation, because pre-cueing a single target out of four restores performance to the level found when only one target is present. It is argued that the primary limitation on performance is the division of attention across multi ple targets, rather than decay within visual memory. However in a simplifie d change detection experiment without cueing, where only one target of the set changed, not only was the set-size effect still larger, but it was grea ter at 2000 msec ISI than at 250 msec ISI, indicating a possible memory com ponent. The steepness of the set-size effects obtained suggests that even m oderate complexity of a stimulus in terms of number of component objects ca n overload attentional processes, suggesting a possible low-level mechanism for change blindness.